Get to know the amazing country of the Philippines, its people, culture, food and environment

Flexible placement, tailored according to your interests and abilities.

Help with local construction projects on the amazing island of Palawan.

Introduction

The Philippines is an incredible destination to discover and experience with bountiful flora and fauna across more than 7,000 islands of which only 2000 are inhabited. The Philippines attract tourists from all corners of the world with it’s breath-taking mountains, rainforests, diving spots and cultural sights. It is a country which bears the influence of the East and the West interwoven in all cultural aspects but mostly visible in the architecture and religion. Though it is a secular state, due to its Spanish influence the Philippines is one of the two Roman Catholic countries in Asia with a Christian population of about 90%. The country is the twelfth most populous country in the world and is divided in three main parts - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

This project takes place in two locations - on the beautiful island province of Palawan or in Davao, on the southern island of Mindanao. In these beautiful locations many people are living in poverty due to high unemployment and poor quality of education. This project aims to assist people who struggle to support themselves and don’t have enough funds to repair or renovate their houses. The larger community has high a demand for construction and renovation work on houses, community centers, schools and other communal places and you can provide assistance in building and renovating houses, healthcare centers, schools and other facilities. This project focuses on renovation of houses but there may be need for renovation of institutions and communal places as well, depending on the most urgent need at the time.

You will get a chance to meet and make friends with the kind and open people of Palawan or Davao who will welcome you into their lives and homes. You will discover the culture and lifestyle of the local people and join efforts with other participants from all over the world.

Daily Life

Your daily schedule includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and working together with the local village community on construction and renovation projects in the mornings and afternoons. You will assist in construction and renovation efforts related to painting, building walls, renovating furniture, gardening and more.

***The schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Travel and Accommodation

At either location you will be sharing a basic but comfortable room with 4-8 other volunteers. The rooms are single-gender and lockable and are equipped with fans, linens and mosquito nets; however, you need to bring your own towel. The toilets are Western-style and the showers run only with cold water which is very refreshing in the heat! Laundry facilities are limited, so you should expect to wash your clothes by hand. At all times, you’ll be expected to clean up after yourself and play your role in keeping the accommodation neat and organised as well as use all resources sparingly (including water and paper). Wifi is available in public areas.

There are three meals served at the accommodation mainly of Philippine cuisine which consists of vegetables, meat, eggs and rice.

In Palawan, you can find ATMs and Western Union transfers in the town of Nara which is about 30 minutes by car. Other forms of transportation are also available - jeepneys, buses, vans - which depart every hour to the neighboring towns of Narra or Aborlan. In Davao, you can find shops and ATMs within 20 minutes walking distance from the accommodation or 5 minutes by bike.

Requirements

Minimum age 18.

Passion and enthusiasm to get to know the country, lots of energy and creativity, and not scared to get your hands dirty!

No previous skills are necessary, however, you will need to speak English at a conversational level.

Minimum 1-week commitment - 30+ hours a week

Necessary vaccinations.

Necessary flight & visas.

Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Premium Support.

What's Included:

What's not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Placement Support Package

For your trip, we will help you organise and plan everything you will need from start to finish. Our coordinators know each project & country like the back of their hand, and will be able to offer personalised advice to ensure your trip is well-planned & executed to perfection.

This includes one-to-one assistance planning and booking;

Pre-departure Support - Flights, Visas, Vaccinations, Insurance, Essential Items and anything else you will need before you set off.

Ongoing In-country Support - whilst you are on the project you can Contact us at any time with any questions or concerns and we will do whatever we can to help.

24/7 Emergency Support - a phone number that you or your family can ring at any time, night or day in case of emergency.

Our Placement Support Package costs £349 / $449 / €425 per person, and can be purchased once you are ready to confirm your place.